What exactly is celiac disease?

Celiac disease, sometimes called celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. If you have celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response in your small intestine.

What is the main cause of celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that’s triggered when you eat gluten. It’s also known as celiac sprue, nontropical sprue, or gluten-sensitive enteropathy. Gluten is a protein in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains.

Is celiac disease a serious condition?

Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. Two and one-half million Americans are undiagnosed and are at risk for long-term health complications.

What is celiac disease diet?

A gluten-free diet is the only treatment if you’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease. You’ll have to avoid gluten for the rest of your life. Even the slightest amount will trigger an immune system reaction that can damage your small intestine. Eating a gluten-free diet requires a new approach to food.

What does celiac pain feel like?

Symptoms: With celiac disease, you may have diarrhea, stomach cramps, gas and bloating, or weight loss. Some people also have anemia, which means your body doesn’t make enough red blood cells, and feel weak or tired.

What is celiac disease and how is it diagnosed?

Celiac disease is diagnosed by drawing a blood test called a celiac panel, which tests for the celiac antibody. It is then confirmed by doing an endoscopic biopsy of the small intestine to confirm the presence bowel destruction from the celiac disease.

What is the life expectancy of someone with celiac disease?

If celiac disease is properly managed, most people diagnosed with celiac disease can have a normal life expectancy. However, if celiac disease is not treated with a diet that is completely free of gluten, then the damage that is caused to the small intestine will continue and it could potentially be life threatening.

How to tell if you have celiac disease?

Bone or joint pain Bone or joint achiness or pain is one of the common symptoms associated with celiac disease. Fibromyalgia or muscle pain Fibromyalgia or muscle pain (chronic and widespread pain over the body, tiredness, sleep disturbance, and excessive pain in response to pressure) is commonly reported by people with celiac disease.